Rumours of a Smashing Pumpkins rekindling have been rife these past few weeks, after frontman Billy Corgan made public how much he missed his old band.

However, confirmation that the band will reform has come from Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin whilst on tour promoting his new outfit, The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex. Chamberlin stopped off at the Archer in Newcastle to host a drum clinic, and somewhere between offering existential music guidance and performing a solo version of Geek U.S.A. (only drums, no accompanyment), he announced that the Chicago veterans would be getting back together and aiming to tour in February 2006.

Chamberlin went on to state that the Smashing Pumpkins would not be doing "a greatest hits tour [...] we're not after your money" and that the band would work on new songs to take on the road, with the possibility of an album to ensue.

In polite discussion with his fans after the clinic, Chamberlin said that contact had been made with the two estranged former-Pumpkins James Iha and D'arcy Wretsky via e-mail, but that Corgan and himself were awaiting confirmation as to their participation. He also said that the tour would probably go ahead regardless of whether Iha and D'arcy are involved.